Research Senior Scientific Director, Head of Hit ID and Sample Management (Automation)

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve enterprise capabilities in high-throughput screening, DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), and sample management in support of discovery programs across therapeutic areas.
• Oversee screening strategies for small molecules, ensuring robust assay execution, hit identification, triage, and progression.
• Provide deep expertise in 1536-well screening, assay miniaturization, screening cascade design, and operational scale-up.
• Drive scientific excellence in HTS principles, screening statistics, assay performance metrics, and data quality assessment, including use of controls, normalization approaches, and hit-calling methodologies.
• Apply advanced knowledge of statistical analysis to support high-confidence decision-making across large and complex datasets.
• Champion integration of AI and computational approaches for hit selection, pattern recognition, data mining, and broader screening data analysis.
• Bring direct experience with DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) technologies, including screening strategy, data interpretation, and integration with complementary hit-finding platforms.
• Lead end-to-end sample management operations for both small and large molecules.
• Oversee management of large compound and sample libraries exceeding 1 million samples, ensuring integrity, accessibility, traceability, and efficient deployment.
• Direct operation and continuous improvement of large integrated automated storage systems and associated workflows.
• Establish and maintain best practices in sample QC, inventory governance, plating, cherry-picking, reformatting, and shipment readiness.
• Drive reliability, quality, and scalability of operations through strong process discipline, metrics, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking strategy for HTS, DEL, and sample management aligned with portfolio and platform priorities.
• Partner closely with medicinal chemistry, biology, data science, automation, informatics, and discovery leadership to deliver integrated hit discovery solutions.
• Communicate scientific strategy, operational performance, risks, and investment priorities effectively to senior leadership.
• Identify emerging technologies and external innovations that can enhance screening performance, speed, and decision quality.

Qualifications

• Become a Subject Matter Expert in HTS, DEL, and Sample Management
• Significant Industry Experience in High-Throughput Screening, Sample Management, and Discovery Operations
• Hands-On and Strategic Expertise in HTS, Including 1536-Well Platforms, Assay Execution, Screening Data Analysis, and Hit Triage
• Experience Managing Libraries Greater Than 1 Million Samples
• Experience Operating and Optimizing Large Integrated Automated Storage Systems
• Strong Knowledge of Sample Quality Control, Inventory Integrity, and Operational Best Practices
• Deep Understanding of Screening Statistics, Data Quality Metrics, and Quantitative Analysis Methods
• Experience Applying or Enabling AI/ML Approaches for Hit Selection and Screening Data Analysis
• Prior Experience with DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) Preferred, Ideally with Direct Operational and Scientific Leadership Responsibility
• Proven Success Leading Large Teams of 20+ Scientists, Including Managers and Technical Experts
• Exceptional Communication, Influencing, and Stakeholder Management Skills, Including Experience Presenting to Senior Executives
• Strategic and Future-Oriented Thinker
• Outstanding People Leader and Talent Developer
• Strong Operator with a Focus on Excellence and Continuous Improvement
• Collaborative and Influential Across Functions and Levels
• Scientifically Rigorous, Data-Driven, and Innovation-Minded
• Clear, Confident Communicator with Executive Presence